Punjab Newsline,National :
Crane falls from 65 feet during railway bridge construction; several coaches derail as train speeds at 120 km/h, most victims are school students
A tragic railway accident occurred in Thailand on Wednesday when a passenger train was struck by a crane that fell from a height of 65 feet. The incident resulted in the deaths of 32 people, while 67 passengers were injured, several of them critically. According to news agency AP, the train was carrying 195 passengers at the time of the accident, most of whom were school students.
Preliminary reports indicate that the crane was being used for the construction of a railway bridge near the track. As the high-speed passenger train passed beneath the construction site, the crane suddenly lost balance and collapsed onto the moving train. The train was reportedly travelling at a speed of around 120 kilometres per hour, which intensified the impact of the accident. Due to the heavy debris falling on it, several coaches were badly damaged and some derailed from the tracks.
Rescue and relief operations were launched immediately after the incident. Local authorities, railway officials and emergency response teams rushed to the spot and began rescue efforts. Heavy machinery and cranes were deployed to remove debris and rescue passengers trapped inside the damaged coaches. Eyewitnesses said the scene was chaotic, with passengers crying for help and emergency workers struggling to reach those stuck under the wreckage.
The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, where medical teams are working round the clock to provide treatment. The condition of several injured passengers remains serious, according to hospital authorities. The presence of a large number of school students among the passengers has added to the gravity of the tragedy.
The Thai government has expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced assistance for the families of the deceased and the injured. Senior officials have ordered a high-level investigation to determine the exact cause of the crane collapse and to assess whether there was any negligence or violation of safety norms during the construction work. Authorities have also stated that safety measures at railway construction sites will be reviewed to prevent such accidents in the future.
The incident has once again raised serious concerns about safety protocols during railway infrastructure projects in the country.